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However, Suzuki’s UK spec vehicles have an extra electronic immobiliser controller, while Subaru cars in this country are fitted with standard alarms that guard against this high-tech hack.

ADAC researchers say the the device used for the tests costs just £80.

A spokesman for the biggest motoring club in Europe said “The radio connection between keys and car can easily be extended over 100 metres, regardless of whether the original key is, for example, at home or in the pocket of the owner.”

They built two radio devices – an amplifier that must be placed near the victim’s keys, and a receiver that needs to be left near the car.

An ADAC spokesman told The Sun Online: “We are revealing this IT problem at more and more brands across different manufacturers.

“Thefts have been using these loopholes presumably for years, without car manufacturers providing an effective solution – which shows that the automotive industry still has very much to catch up to other sectors of the economy with regards to IT security.

“All the more since keyless systems are also available for small and medium-sized cars and offered partly as standard configuration, manufacturers are called upon to effectively protect vehicle electronics.”

Drivers of cars that use keyless technology have resorted to storing it in a freezer or a “Faraday cage” to block the electronic signals.

A spokesman for the Volkswagen group, which includes VW, Seat and Audi, said: “The Volkswagen Group takes the illegal use of radio path lengthening systems very seriously.

Has your car been stolen by high-tech thieves? Call The Sun Online newsdesk on 0207 782 4368 or email sam.christie@the-sun.co.uk

“We are continually working on improving safety systems in order to hinder or prevent such manipulation, and are in regular contact with the authorities on this matter.

“Please understand that we are unable to comment on the technical details of theft protection measures, because such information could be used by third parties to the detriment of our customers.”

A Hyundai spokesman said: “Hyundai Motor’s keyless system complies with all current security standards and regulations.

“The Company is constantly developing it systems further to close any security gaps.”

A Vauxhall spokesman said: “Vauxhall takes the safety and security of its customers very seriously. “While researchers have shown complicated and quite unrealistic vehicle theft attempts such as the relay attack under very controlled conditions, we are not aware of any real world cases of such attacks on Vauxhall vehicles.

“Vauxhall has multiple existing protections in place and continues to add security protections as new threats are identified.”

The Ford Focus RS could be at risk of being broken into by thieves hacking keyless cars

A Mazda spokesman said: “Mazda is aware of the problem of car theft by keyless-entry hacks and is continually studying countermeasures.

“Although we cannot disclose any specifics at the present point in time, Mazda is committed to protecting the safety and assets of our customers and will continue developing technologies to combat the constantly evolving problem of car theft.”